At least 50 people have died and another 100 suffered serious burns after a fuel tanker collided with a vehicle in Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday
According to the Deputy Governor of Kongo Central province, Atou Matubuana Nkuluki, authorities were doing what they could to help victims of the crash in the village of Mbuta, about 130 km (80 miles) from the capital.
“We are mourning the death of a about 50 people. There are also about 100 people with second-degree burns,” he said.
The incident occurred near the city of Kisantu, between the capital Kinshasa and the port of Matadi.
“The flames spread rapidly engulfing nearby houses,” the UN’s Okapi radio reported.
Roads in the central African nation have often been neglected after years of war.
In 2010, at least 230 people were killed in Congo when a fuel tanker overturned and exploded, unleashing a fire ball that tore through homes and cinemas packed with people watching World Cup soccer.
More to follow…
